A coastal ecosystem productivity network (CARICOMP) was developed in the Caribbean during the 1980s in response to the need for long-term, region-wide comparative studies of the biodiversity and productivity of coastal ecosystems. Based on a co-operative network of marine laboratories, parks and reserves, the activities focus upon improving our understanding of structure, function and productivity of the three main coastal ecosystems in the Caribbean: mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs.